~ "Art is not what you see… but what you make others see" Edgar Degas

PUTTING YOU IN THE PICTURE…

You arrive at an art gallery feeling quite excited about the delights that await. It might be the opening night of a long-awaited exhibition featuring an acclaimed artist or the body of work of an emerging artist, that has been the lure.

But inside you find it hard to hide your disappointment, you were expecting something entirely different.

The media gushed about the art; the gallery featuring the artist is professional and up- market. Surely the paintings on the walls, therefore, must be good.The inflated price tags imply excellence; the Red ‘sold’ stickers confirm this.

But You don’t like the Art

What to do? Catalogue in hand, stroll around the room and look at the paintings politely.Write something complimentary in the visitor’s book.Try to be as truthful as possible, say nothing about the art, but rave about the cocktail snacks and the complimentary glass of wine, and make your exit.

If you’ve been led to believe that the art is of value, even if it is! Don’t buy it if you don’t like it.

Too often we get brainwashed into purchasing art that we don’t like. Commercial art galleries are good at selling art. That is their business and is about marketing strategies and rolling dollars. As with all retailers, some establishments are more reputable than others, so it is a good idea to get to ‘know’ galleries before you purchase.

We are creatures of habit and prone to give in to peer pressure; we do however retain our individuality in that we differ in our preferences. How boring it would be if we all ‘liked’ the same things. It is okay to say that you don’t like some art.

Buy the painting that you want to hang on your wall.

When you buy art, it should be because you want to own it, look at it every day and enjoy it

Art is in the Eye of the Beholder

It is human nature that the same art that evokes a response of delight in some could revile others. Tastes differ.I don’t like all forms of art, definitely not every painting I have ever seen.

However, it can be hard sometimes to decide. Should you spend $500 or $5000? Both paintings would look fantastic in your home.

If you prefer the $5000 one and it won’t break the bank, by all means, buy it.If money is no object but you prefer the much cheaper painting, it would be the right choice for you.

Nothing in Art is ‘Right’ or ‘Wrong.’

Mostly anything goes when it comes to the visual arts today. ‘Innovation’ is the buzzword and we cross boundaries every day.

Art is alive and is growing at a vigorous pace as stuffy old traditions are ditched. Experimenting artists have a colourful melting pot of new paint formulas and exciting new mediums available to them.

Do a Gallery Crawl

The responsibility lies solely with the individual to be informed. Educate yourself on art before you buy. It is a good idea to visit art galleries and art museums to familiarise yourself with the styles of a variety of artists.You will quickly gain confidence in making up your mind when it comes to art.

Decide on which artists’ work you prefer, ask yourself why? Analise their art for a better understanding of your taste, and you will gain confidence in your choice-making.

Investing in Art is best left to the Professionals

An inflated price tag doesn’t always mean that it is a work of excellence. Because Sting, Mick Jagger and Johnny Depp own paintings by a particular artist does not mean you should purchase related art if it is not to your taste. Only fools need to ‘keep up with the Jones’. Buying art purely for investment purposes should be left to the professionals. Most people would do better with their money gambling at a casino.

Surely it is the intention of the artist that his work is proudly displayed and most importantly enjoyed?

Buy It if You Love It

Are you in the picture yet? Art is good and worthy of your money only if you like it. The best painting for you is the one that you love.

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3 thoughts on “PUTTING YOU IN THE PICTURE…”

Another excellent, thought provoking article. Art is definitely in the eye of the beholder. If you are going to buy art it has to be something that inspires you and something you want to look at everyday.